Less Red Tape

Definition of red tape from the Merriam-Webster dictionary

red tape meaning

: official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction

bureaucratic red tape

… enterprisers that show how people across the Nation are coping (or not coping) with such problems as unemployment, the budget deficit and Government red tape.

— John Weisman

… pompous officials (often lowly clerks) in love with red tape who delight in obstructing the expedition of what should be simple procedures.

— Norman W. Schur

Initial plans became irretrievably mired in the red tape of building permissions.

— Bella Pollen

Their plan is simple enough and none too glamorous: create a Web site to help people cut through red tape; i.e., pay for parking tickets and so on.

— Sarah Kerr

Examples of red tape in a Sentence

You would not believe the red tape involved in getting the required permits.

First Known Use of red tape

1736, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for red tape

from the red tape formerly used to bind legal documents in England

red tape sustantivo [coloq.]

burocracia f

The company cut red tape in order to streamline its operations. La empresa redujo la burocracia para agilizar sus operaciones.

papeleo m [coloq.] (plural: papeleos m)

My application is on hold because of red tape. Mi solicitud está en espera debido al papeleo.

trámites pl m

red tape sustantivo

trámites burocráticos pl m

Setting up a business involves a lot of red tape. Montar una empresa supone muchos trámites burocráticos.

menos frecuente:

trámites administrativos pl m

red tape sustantivo [expr.]

papeleo administrativo m